Entering a Plea

Options Once You Have Decided Your Plea

If your plea is guilty or no contest you may do one of the following:

Appear in court on your assigned court date to see a judge and enter your plea (this is called an arraignment)

Pay the amount of the fine by mail, in person, or online on or before your court date unless otherwise stated on the citation given to you by the police officer (learn more about court payment options)

If your plea is not guilty you may request that the complaint be set for a trial before either a judge or jury.

Note: You also may have the option of attending a Driving Safety Course and receiving a dismissal of one violation.

What Happens at a Criminal Traffic Trial

The state is represented by a prosecutor who must prove the charges against you, as stated on the complaint, beyond a reasonable doubt. The state presents its case first by calling witnesses to testify against you. You will be allowed to hear all the testimony against you, and if you wish, after each witness has testified you will have a turn to ask questions of the witness.

After the state has presented its case, you may present your case. You may call other witnesses to testify for you who know something about the incident. You may testify on your own behalf, but you are not required to do so. If you do not testify, your silence cannot be used against you.

Contact Us

If you have additional questions or concerns about happens after you enter a plea, please contact the Municipal Court at 281.403.8669 for more information.